Great train ride, good views and at the scenic locations the train even slows down to enjoy the views! The combination of train ride and the gondola is not cheap, but its an unique experience with a rich history.

We took the railway up and the cable car down. It was a wonderful experience and we enjoyed the commentary about the railway and the views. It was well organised and there were clean restrooms and a cafe at the station while you wait for the train. Everything ran efficiently and was well organised. We highly recommend this experience A+++

We took the railway up, and the skyrail down (2 ad + 2 tweens). It was a stunning trip up to Kuranda. The landscape is beautiful. The handouts are great, and it was really nice to follow along with the map, corresponding to the audio voice over at points of interest. There was a brief stop at Barron Falls to allow a better view of the waterfall. A truly lovely experience.

A wonderful trip to Kuranda. We were fortunate to get Gold pass at the last moment. It was very relaxing with drink and morning/afternoon tea service. Very comfy lounge seating. Would recommend 👌

Lovely train ride from Cairns to Kuranda with stunning views. So much history & very informative. Journey takes 2hrs one way. I paid $85 for a return ticket. I had to reschedule my booking multiple times, which wasn't an issue. Definitely recommend booking in advance.

A truly spectacular and scenic journey! The Kuranda Scenic Railway is a must-do for anyone visiting Cairns. The old-school train carriages are charming, and the ride through the rainforest is breathtaking. The views of Barron Falls are incredible, and it's amazing to see the engineering of the track. A perfect way to experience the beauty of the Wet Tropics.

A lovely experience. If you want to do the sky rail as well then your best option is to take the sky rail up to Kurando and book both through the sky rail site and add a bus transfer to the lower sky rail station. Then you can stay on the scenic railway all the way back to Cairns station. The trip itself was 100% scenic with some amazing corners in the tracks and views of several waterfalls. The trip back to Cairns takes about 1.5 hours. Cheers and enjoy

Beautiful gardens. Great place to go for a walk and enjoy the sights it has to offer. You can stroll around at your own leisure. Lots of amazing plants and flowers to take a photo of. You can even sit in the grass areas and enjoy a picnic.

The Cairns Botanical Gardens are a must-visit for anyone who enjoys botanical gardens or is spending time in the area with kids. The variety and beauty of the plants on display are simply stunning, and the gardens are so well maintained that every path feels like a new discovery. We especially enjoyed the scenic boardwalk and the lookout over the lake—it’s peaceful and offers a lovely view of the surrounding nature. The nature playground was a hit with the kids, and there were plenty of great spots to grab a bite or relax with a picnic. A perfect blend of natural beauty and family-friendly amenities!

Very nice lots of exotic plants - We spent three hours here. It was very pleasant- cool in the rainforest shade out of the hot sun. Nice lakes to walk beside where we saw several turtles, 9 inch fish. Scrub turkeys, some other birds and ducks.

Great way to spend an afternoon in the beautiful botanical garden. Amazing bird sound as you wander through the gardens. Loved the variety of flowering plants

Perfect place for an easy stroll. Great plants and trees. There is also another park next to it if you want to walk longer.

Tropical rainforest style botanical gardens with gorgeous rustic paths running alongside rivers winding their way through the gardens. A space of tranquility and calm, you will be sure to leave this place feeling calm, rested, and rejuvenated.

It’s not a big garden. The gallery is interesting. There is bus (131) that you could take to visit this place from the city centre.

I visited on a Sunday, and the place was lively with people of all ages,from small children to elderly couples. By around 1pm, more and more people had arrived to sunbathe, and it got to the point where there were hardly any spots left to sit. Still, the pool itself wasn’t too crowded, and it was a very comfortable and relaxing experience overall.🏊‍♂️ While sitting by the pool and chatting with a friend, we noticed an older man across from us staring in our direction for nearly an hour. As we were getting ready to leave, he suddenly approached and said he was going to teach us how to swim. We politely declined, saying we had to go, and he walked away. To be honest, it didn’t leave a very good impression, and I would suggest being cautious if someone like that approaches you. It seemed like he was specifically targeting people who looked like tourists. Frankly, it felt like he may have had other intentions, possibly just wanting to touch someone. Other than that, there were no real issues with the place. Some people say public pools can have an unpleasant smell, but I didn’t notice any urine smell at all The depth of the water goes up to 1.55m in the deeper areas, so you can comfortably submerge up to your neck, which made it even more enjoyable.

Awesome place to spend time near the water. Pool has salty water, sandy edges and great view to ocean . There is plenty of shade under the trees or shelters. There is many barbecue spots and water fountains. Toilets and showers are clean.

Loved comming here on my holiday. Such a great way to have free fun. There are toilets and showers and if you are travelling solo like me or you need somewhere to put your stuff you can use the pay lockers.

Beautiful one day, perfect the next! 🌴✨ The Cairns Esplanade Lagoon is absolutely stunning — crystal-clear waters, great facilities, and such a relaxing vibe. Perfect spot for a swim, sunbake, or just taking in the tropical atmosphere. A must-visit when in Cairns!

A delightful clean and friendly space in the middle of the city. Great views, great atmosphere and just a lovely place to hang out for an hour

The Cairns Esplanade Lagoon is hands down one of the best public swimming pools I’ve been to! It’s a fantastic place to cool off, especially with the tropical heat. The location is perfect—right on the waterfront, offering stunning views of the Coral Sea. The pool itself is huge, well-maintained, and has plenty of shallow areas, making it great for families with kids as well as adults just looking to relax. One of the things I love most is that it’s completely free! It’s rare to find such a high-quality public facility at no cost. There are lifeguards on duty, which adds a layer of safety, and the water is always crystal clear. The surrounding area is also great, with BBQ facilities, shaded spots, and plenty of seating for those who just want to enjoy the atmosphere.

Amazing pool Free Great space to relax Awesome layout Plenty of places to get food Bbq facilities are available Life guards on duty

I visited on a Sunday, and the place was lively with people of all ages,from small children to elderly couples. By around 1pm, more and more people had arrived to sunbathe, and it got to the point where there were hardly any spots left to sit. Still, the pool itself wasn’t too crowded, and it was a very comfortable and relaxing experience overall.🏊‍♂️ While sitting by the pool and chatting with a friend, we noticed an older man across from us staring in our direction for nearly an hour. As we were getting ready to leave, he suddenly approached and said he was going to teach us how to swim. We politely declined, saying we had to go, and he walked away. To be honest, it didn’t leave a very good impression, and I would suggest being cautious if someone like that approaches you. It seemed like he was specifically targeting people who looked like tourists. Frankly, it felt like he may have had other intentions, possibly just wanting to touch someone. Other than that, there were no real issues with the place. Some people say public pools can have an unpleasant smell, but I didn’t notice any urine smell at all The depth of the water goes up to 1.55m in the deeper areas, so you can comfortably submerge up to your neck, which made it even more enjoyable.

Awesome place to spend time near the water. Pool has salty water, sandy edges and great view to ocean . There is plenty of shade under the trees or shelters. There is many barbecue spots and water fountains. Toilets and showers are clean.

Loved comming here on my holiday. Such a great way to have free fun. There are toilets and showers and if you are travelling solo like me or you need somewhere to put your stuff you can use the pay lockers.

Beautiful one day, perfect the next! 🌴✨ The Cairns Esplanade Lagoon is absolutely stunning — crystal-clear waters, great facilities, and such a relaxing vibe. Perfect spot for a swim, sunbake, or just taking in the tropical atmosphere. A must-visit when in Cairns!

A delightful clean and friendly space in the middle of the city. Great views, great atmosphere and just a lovely place to hang out for an hour

The Cairns Esplanade Lagoon is hands down one of the best public swimming pools I’ve been to! It’s a fantastic place to cool off, especially with the tropical heat. The location is perfect—right on the waterfront, offering stunning views of the Coral Sea. The pool itself is huge, well-maintained, and has plenty of shallow areas, making it great for families with kids as well as adults just looking to relax. One of the things I love most is that it’s completely free! It’s rare to find such a high-quality public facility at no cost. There are lifeguards on duty, which adds a layer of safety, and the water is always crystal clear. The surrounding area is also great, with BBQ facilities, shaded spots, and plenty of seating for those who just want to enjoy the atmosphere.

Amazing pool Free Great space to relax Awesome layout Plenty of places to get food Bbq facilities are available Life guards on duty

I loved every second of it. The Great Barrier Reef has been on my bucket list for a long time, and I finally got the chance to come to Cairns to see it. I was told scuba diving on the outer reef was the best to do, but most tours required a scuba licence or gave a lot of training time and little scuba time. This tour offered the outer reef with a marine biologist whilst still snorkelling as an additional option. We were blessed with good weather and calm waters on this day. It was awesome. As a beginner snorkeller, this tour was perfect. I gained confidence in the morning snorkelling in shallow waters and seeing beautiful fish and some colour. Then, I went out to the outer reef with the biologist in the afternoon, and I was blown away with what I saw and learned. It was stunning and a real experience of the reef. In my opinion, the time was just enough as a new reef explorer. 1 hour is quite a while snorkelling in deep water if you're not used to it. I would love to do it again, though! Also, by hanging on the pier after the last session, I saw 4 turtles, 3 black tipped sharks, and jumping fish! That was a reel bonus. I don't know if that's common, but the opportunity to catch something swimming by in crystal clear water is there as well. The buffet was awesome to boot. I highly recommend the tour. There are hidden markets and a beautiful walk on the island too that are part of the resort, I think. And Green Island itself? It is an absolute gem. A natural beauty that I'm so glad to have visited and explored.

I recently did a day tour to Green Island with Big Cat Green Island Reef Cruises, and it was an absolutely fantastic experience! The staff were friendly, professional and full of helpful information about the reef and the local wildlife. I particularly enjoyed Anzac's marine biology talks on the way to Green Island and back. The boat was comfortable and well-maintained, making the trip smooth and enjoyable. When we got to the island, the staff assisted us onto the glass bottom boat and submarine, both with unforgettable views of the fish, turtles and reef. Once on Green Island, the scenery was breathtaking. The tropical rainforest is breathtaking. There was plenty to do. Overall, this tour exceeded my expectations. Highly recommended for anyone visiting Cairns who wants a memorable day exploring the Green Barrier Reef and Green Island!

We took the half day tour and it was perfect for my family. We picked from a mix of glass bottom tour, semi sub, and snorkeling. For beginners, a half day gives you enough time to snorkel at both beaches on Green Island + the semi sub. Alternatively, you can do the glass bottom boat + semi sub if you’d rather not swim. We saw turtles, sting rays, and hundreds of fish on the semi-sub; saw fewer fish with snorkeling. Thanks for a great day!

My wife and I had a great time with the crew visiting Green Island. Highly recommend the full day tour with snorkeling of the reefs, the glass boat and adventuring around the island. Crew on board were friendly and knowledge and helped us feel safe.

We booked the full day Green Island Tour and had a fantastic time snorkelling. No shortage of turtles and we were even lucky enough to see whales. The professional young team on the boat went out of their way to make the experience enjoyable for everyone. Although the vessel is on the older side, the amenities, including toilets, were spotless. The bar also has reasonably priced drinks, such as Corona beer, for $9 per bottle. Drinking water is free which is an added bonus.

The crew were awesome. We did go on a day when it was quite windy but if you sit down and enjoy the ride it’s nice. We were given our snorkelling gear when we got on the boat so we had to hang on to them the whole time. Next time we will get our gear when we get to the island. The buffet lunch was a good feed just b4 our snorkelling adventure.

Amazing trip over the green island. On time and the staff were very helpful and accomodating with our pram and toddler. Prepared us with details of the day so we didn’t miss anything for the half day tour. Highly recommend the glass bottom boat tour!

As a seasoned traveler who has visited hundreds of attractions worldwide, I found The Crystal Caves in Atherton, Queensland, to be a delightful gem. Full disclosure: I didn’t explore the actual Crystal Cave due to the entry fee, which felt a bit steep for my family’s budget. However, my review is based on the shop front, its products, and the geode-cracking experience, all of which were fantastic. The shop is a treasure trove for crystal and gem enthusiasts. It’s well-stocked with an impressive variety of crystals, gems, and related items that are visually stunning and appealing to collectors, casual browsers, or anyone with a curiosity for geology. The displays are engaging, and there’s plenty of cool stuff for kids to explore, making it a great spot for families to learn about crystals in a fun, hands-on way. While I would have loved to experience the Crystal Cave itself, we opted for the geode-cracking activity, which we’d seen online before our visit. This was the highlight of our trip! The experience starts at around $30 for a small geode, perfect for kids, with larger options priced around $90, $100, and up to $300 for a massive one. The process of cracking open the geode was thrilling and incredibly fun, especially for the kids. I won’t post photos of them, but the sheer excitement on their faces when they saw the sparkling crystals inside was priceless. It’s an activity that delivers great value and creates lasting memories. The young woman who assisted us was exceptional. Her customer service skills were outstanding professional, friendly, and engaging, especially for someone so young. She deserves a pay rise for making our visit so memorable! Even without entering the cave, The Crystal Caves is well worth a visit. If you’re within a couple hundred kilometers of Atherton, I highly recommend stopping by to explore the shop and try the geode-cracking experience. It’s a unique and enjoyable outing for families, crystal enthusiasts, or anyone looking for something different.

Amazingly informative and beautiful created caves with real crystals displayed. Kids will love it! Beautiful friendly staff that went above and beyond for my son and made his experience so magical. I can't recommend this place enough! What a beautiful journey! Crystal shop attached where you can open your own geode!

I was expecting to see stones, rocks and of course crystal as stated in their ads but I got really impressed how they presented the Crystal Cave. Went here with my family, entrance fee was affordable. You'll be greeted by their friendly and accommodating staffs. Lines of crystal were on display and for sale. You can also crack open ( for a fee of course) a piece of stone were it reveals if you got yourself a type of crystal inside. You'll be given a headgear torch and you can also opt for a headphone so you can listen to the narrative of the crystal you are looking at. Nicely presented place and area to roam around and see different types of crytals taken/ found from different places in earth. Great to take photos as lightings creats a nice reflection on the crytals.

This business offers an engaging experience, and it's easy to get lost in the fun. The staff members are incredibly warm and welcoming, creating a positive atmosphere. You can tell they genuinely enjoy their work and interacting with customers. The interactive elements make the visit feel unique and memorable. Everything seems well-organized, making it a smooth experience from start to finish. Overall, the quality is certainly great, and it's a place I'd recommend to anyone. It was truly a good visit.

This is an Aladdin’s Cave of crystals & geodes. There are heaps of crystals, jewellery, trinkets & awesome things to buy. You can pay $25 for a self-guided tour in the caves & this includes a head torch, an APP to help you identify the crystals & you can spend as long as you want to. You can purchase a geode from countries eg Uruguay, Mexico, Brazil etc. You can then ‘Crack the Geode’ to see the gorgeous crystal inside. You can take your cracked geode home with you. The staff were all helpful, friendly, knowledgable & enthusiastic.

Certainly worth the visit. The shop has loads of jewellery crystals and stones to purchase, as well as geo rocks. The staff were very knowledgeable and helpful. We paid to go through the cave - which is a great way to display the collected crystals from over the world and educate on the different types. Our dogs were able to go into the store as well as through the display. This experience far exceeded our expectation. We were able to purchase a rock to split and be the 1st people to see the crystals inside.

If you like crystals and rocks, then The Crystal Caves is a great place to visit and spend as much time as you like just enjoying what's on display or looking for an interesting piece for the growing collection at home. Well worth the visit

Wonderful break away from mainstream worries. It's not a perfect Tropical Island Retreat but nice and laid back. Needs some tweaking like an ice machine and a wider range of food options. (2 burgers cost us $57) Staff are great. Snorkeling is good over the coral reefs. Only 40 minutes from Cairns. Bush walks are a bit more difficult than rated. Overall, good value stay

Beautiful island which I’ve spent a bit of time filming on. Snorkelling is great, the coral restoration work they do with the coral trees is essential and important work as well as the turtle rescue. A must visit when you’re in the Cairns area

Beautiful piece of paradise. They way the island beach faces the north sun, whilst the island shelters the beach from the southerlies, is just perfect. A1 snorkeling over amazing corals and fish species. Turtles cruising by in the bay.

Great island to be explored and close to cairns. It takes you about 50 min to get over by speed boat. You can snorkel and hike and the island has quite of a variety of Flora and fauna. Walk up to the light house is very steep and slippery when wet.

We booked a day trip to Fitzroy Island through the Fitzroy Island resort as there is more ferry times and options than the tourist day trips operators. We had a great day exploring Nudey Beach, snorkelling the massive walls of coral having luck at Foxys and just absorbing the pure beauty of the island. Absolutely worth the day trip !! We saw a whale and her calf on the way back and the ferry slowed so we could see them and not disturb them, it was an amazing experience and wonderful end to our day.

A nice 45 minute ferry ride from Cairns. The friendliest staff and a very relaxed island to just relax. You can literally snorkel with Turtle's straight of the beach. And the summit walk is awesome. And don't forget to book a tour at the turtle Rehabilitation centre.

Very good if the weather's on your side. The hike to the summit is a must-do, as well as a visit to Nudey Beach (despite the name, you should bring clothes) if you're not tired after that, or if you're staying multiple days, go snorkeling. The coral is nice enough if you haven't seen the Great Barrier Reef yet. Be sure to inquire at the dive shop where the best places are. Foxy's Bar offers great burgers for cheap. Sky blue water, coral beaches, pals trees, relaxed atmosphere. Like I said, all you need is the weather.

Full board walk to and around the tree makes for excellent viewing. Very short walk around.

Definitely worth a quick stop! Very impressive to see in person. There is a short boardwalk that allows you to walk around the tree. Just a few minutes off the main road.

Magnificent huge fig tree. Nice easy walk okay place to visit if your going past or in Atherton.

That's one amazing tree! Worth a stop! Bring bug spray!

Lovely little walk along the board walk. Fascinating sight to see the figtree form as it has, and established overtime.

Easy walk, very impressive tree!

The Curtain Fig Tree is a natural wonder that leaves visitors in awe of its majestic presence. While the walk to reach the tree is relatively short, the experience is nothing short of amazing. As you approach the Curtain Fig Tree, its sheer size and unique appearance command attention. The intricate root system that cascades from its branches creates a mesmerizing curtain-like effect, making it a sight to behold. The short walk to reach the tree allows for a close-up encounter with this natural marvel. It's a great opportunity to appreciate the intricate details of the tree and the surrounding rainforest environment. While some visitors may wish for a longer trail or more extensive walking experience, it's important to remember that the main attraction is the tree itself. The relatively short walk ensures that the focus remains on this remarkable natural phenomenon. For those seeking a longer adventure, nearby hiking trails and attractions in the area provide additional opportunities to explore the beauty of the rainforest. In conclusion, the Curtain Fig Tree is a natural wonder that impresses with its size and unique root structure. While the walk to reach the tree may be short, the experience is undeniably amazing. Take the time to appreciate the beauty and intricacies of this magnificent tree and consider exploring other nearby trails to enhance your rainforest adventure.

I nice place to go and exercise with friends and family. A sloppy up and down path get you most excited and challenging to reach the destination. A wonderful waterfall comes out with a cool water flow would likely refresh you after exhausting effort to reach it out.

The walking trail is sealed concrete the whole way which makes for easy walking. Trail does have many undulations so make sure you are fairly fit to get the most enjoyment out of the walk. Nice swimming spot at the top of the trail.

Beginner-friendly, easily accessible fully paved track, with a few swimming spots and amazing lookouts. Well worth the leg burn.

Decent walk. The path is all concrete - not a dirt track. The path is quite steep in many places to make sure that you are wearing shoes with a decent grip. The waterfall is right at the end and you can climb down onto the rocks. Take care - it is steep and can get slippery. Reccomend as a moderate challenge. It took about 1.5 hours with a few stops for photos.

What a beautiful place for a swim! The walk to the top falls is about 3kms on a tarred services road, it is quite hilly in spots so be prepared to sweat a little. Very similar feel to the Babinda Boulders and just as dangerous so take caution if you decide to swim at all, very strong unpredictable currents in parts but lovely spot to swim at the top. Make sure you bring a picnic to make it a lovely day out “Jonique Life” Follow our journey around Australia on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube as we highlight wonderful experiences and magical places you can add to your ever growing bucket list.

40 minute walk up a paved path with a few grunty climbs but well rewarded with an awesome swim at the base of the beautiful Clamshell Waterfall. Stunning.

A great walk. Definitely not easy so wear a pair of decent shoes and carry a water bottle. It took us around 45mins to get to the end of the track. The view is amazing up there 🙌

This Fall and surrounding area was Beautiful. We encountered 2 little black snakes at the end of the steps. There are public toilets and a landing to stand an see the fall.. such a pretty place. Large car park to swing your car around.

The falls are beautiful, but be prepared for coach loads of tourists and instagrammers looking for that perfectly posed pic. There are toilets here - we had a quick walk and moved on as the crowds were a bit much.

23/9/25. Went for a drive out to Atherton Tablelands during our stay at Port Douglas. Decided to drive the extra to Millaa Millaa Falls, allow 2hrs non stop from PD. I imagine it could get crowded, fortunately for us not so at the time. Definitely go for a swim out to and behind the waterfall, a nice experience and worthwhile even though you have to negotiate the rocks behind the waterfall curtain.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Beautiful and peaceful spot! Mila Mila Falls is a lovely place to visit — easy to access, surrounded by lush rainforest, and perfect for a quick swim or picnic. The walking tracks make it a great stop for families and nature lovers exploring the Tablelands.

Nice waterfall, but it's very touristy. The area around the waterfall had been completely decorated to receive tourism in a good way. It doesn't feel natural anymore, but it's still beautiful.

Breathtaking waterfall that you can walk behind, the water is cool and refreshing 😌 it’s a bit rocky to get in so better to where shoes and be careful where your walking. Enjoy! ☺️ 💗

Millaa Millaa Falls is a beautifully maintained natural attraction with stunning scenery and a peaceful atmosphere. An excellent spot for photography and a worthwhile stop in the Atherton Tablelands.

The Babinda Boulders are just gorgeous! Such a beautiful spot to stop and stretch your legs while travelling. The water is so clear and inviting — definitely worth a swim in the safe area. Super relaxing and peaceful, I’ll 100% be coming back next time I’m in the area

Great place to stop if you are doing a road trip. Good short and easy walk to stretch legs and have a good swim. The walking paths are clear and have info about the place, beautiful views and great safe swimming areas.

This was a super impressive stop as well. Make sure you pack your lunch. You could spend an entire day here in the beautiful cool fresh water. The hike up and down to see the various falls was awesome too. They have stopped you gaining access to any of the dangerous pools as 19 people have died here over the last 20 years or so.

So we thought this would be some rocks in a river, and went really because we’ve seen pretty much all the attractions in the Cairns area. Top tip: GO HERE, IT’S AMAZING. There is a well maintained walking track that runs for about 450 metres that takes you to one of the most magnificent views I have ever seen on this planet. These are not rocks in a river: these are wonders of creation. Please, just go, it’s amazing.

We had a long drive to get here and to be honest it was disappointing. Maybe if it had been a warmer day and we could have made use of the swimming hole it may have seemed better. The walk seemed a bit too easy with the bitumised path. I think I prefer it a bit more natural having to climb over boulders and rough paths it just makes it more interesting. The area is lovely and the rain Forrest magnificent, the scenery is amazing but after our day at Murray falls this was a bit of a let down

A relatively short walk and beautiful river with interesting rocks. There are places to swim but there are also sections warning you not to swim for good reason.

So worth visiting, and a great place to camp and stay for a few days. Good toilets and shower facilities near the car park. The swimming hole is 5 mins walk, but the boulders are a 10-15min walk down an undulating sealed pathway through tropical rainforest. Many warning signs explaining the dangers of jumping in disallowed parts of the river where also very good.

What an amazing place, not just the history. All the staff, from checking in, our guide Bill and the cafe staff on the way out. Now the fish, standing and feeding them you will think they are big but when you get back up the top.... You realize how big. I wanted to add a little more to this review to include the camp ground known as "The Paddock". Just a short stroll from Paronella Park and nestled behind the historic Mena Creek Hotel, The Paddock is the perfect place to park, relax and immerse yourself in the beauty of Tropical North Queensland. Whether you're travelling in a caravan, motorhome, or camper trailer, The Paddock offers spacious, level sites surrounded by lush greenery and a welcoming atmosphere. The facilities are new, clean, and cater to all your basic travelling needs! Guests staying at The Paddock enjoy: Your First Night Free* with your Paronella Park admission - pre-bookings essential to avoid disappointment Modern amenities including toilets, hot showers, laundry, and a camp kitchen Powered sites (most with drive-through access) Pet-friendly (bring your furry travelling companion!) Direct access to The Mena Creek Hotel for meals and refreshments Whether you're here for one night or several, The Paddock is your gateway to one of Queensland’s most enchanting destinations. Wake to the sounds of nature, unwind under the stars, and enjoy all the comfort and convenience you need—just minutes from the magic of Paronella Park. Book your stay at The Paddock when purchasing your Paronella Park tickets. * Additional nights available at standard rates

We really enjoyed the walk around Paronella Park and everything the site has to offer — it’s a beautiful place with a lot of charm. That said, we felt the price is pretty steep for anyone who just wants to do a quick visit and take some photos. The cost of the overnight stay feels fair, but for a short visit we wouldn’t come back at that price. A number of the monuments were also under repair, and the many “no trespassing” signs take away from the atmosphere a bit. We understand why they’re needed, but it still affects the vibe. It would be great if the park offered different pricing options — for example, a half-day pass, a full-day pass with the history tour, and a separate rate for the night stay. This would make the experience more accessible and better matched to the type of visit people want.

Unbelievably good! Do yourself a favour and check this place out. Incredible story, beautiful castle and gardens. Fantastic customer service from everyone we encountered but Bas our guide was amazing! Great to hear from Mark the owner as well. Loved it!!

Incredible story behind this place. Loved it! Wouldn't have been the same experience without the tour guide. It's a must... They are so full of energy and know the Jose Paronella story inside out. Fab music and light show after dark too.

Paronella Park is absolutely stunning! I could visit over and over and never get tired of its beauty. The breathtaking scenery is only part of the experience, the vision and genius behind its creation is truly inspiring. A great tip: go in the afternoon and stay for the evening tour. Seeing the park lit up at night is magical and well worth the wait. Best of all, it’s of no extra cost, just call ahead to book your spot for the evening tour.

What a fantastic experience. Jose Paronella was way ahead of his time, his vision and energy made this park absolutely unique. The staff here are so friendly and accommodating which is so rare these days. Our guides, Bill for the day tour has so much energy it’s frightening and Megan for the night tour did an awesome job with a very large crowd. We had our puppies with us and they were very well cared for while we did the tour. We stayed in their van park (The Paddock) and the amenities and camp kitchen are unbelievable. Dinner was at the pub, lamb roast, as good as or better than home made. Would recommend this place to anyone travelling through this area. Can’t praise it enough.

Really cool place with a wholesome story behind it. Bill, our guide was amazing. Bloke loves what he does. The story of the Spaniards Dream in Australia is one australia should be proud of. Recommend taking the time to do this. It does cost but it really is worth it.

Nice hike to the bottom of the waterfall! Out and back hike with 250 meters of decline and obviously the 250 incline back to the top again. In total 3km.I guess this track can be quite slippery when it rains!

One of our favourite waterfalls in FNQ — if you time the light just right, the falls create their own rainbow. The road in is suitable for all vehicles, but expect tight corners, single-lane sections, and the occasional Brahman wandering across the road. Hikes are epic, just be prepared with plenty of water sunscreen and bug spray as they are affectionate little critters.

Great place to look at the amazing fall. I’m happy I took a detour after work to come check it out. The drive is very winding and please take it slow. The view was spectacular. Highly recommended.

Loads of warnings before you do this walk....which was kind of off putting ? But we did it !!! Super rewarding....maybe took 1 hour return to the first main viewing spot...or less. Stunning views from down the bottom...just be prepared for the big climb back up!!!!! Bring water:)

The view from the top is beautiful. However be wary that the walk is very difficult, especially on the way back. You absolutely need proper shoes and lots of water. We walked to the bottom of the water fall and while the view is beautiful it is impossible to swim or stay for too long because of the large swarms of horse flies (stinging). The horse flies really ruined our experience at the bottom. Maybe it is better in other seasons. I would recommend going only until the last lookout point (picture) which is really beautiful as the rest is not worth the pain of the flies.

Spectacular one of the best waterfalls I’ve visited. The walk to it only 2kms but it’s steep and rocky and would be very challenging down and up if not very fit. But is definitely worth the walk

Beautiful adventure, keep eyes away rocks on steps and required runner shoes or mountain shoes. More harder to get up the steps. Great experiences.

Great spot, walking distance to town through Tyto Wet Lands board walk. Great feed at Lee's the Original Pub with no Beer.

The center is a must visit when you’re in Ingham QLD. It’s located on the southern side of the main town just a short walk from the library and Cole’s. They offer free coffee and te with movies and activities in and around town. They have free wifi and a low cost camp behind the center just $15 a night. Make sure you get your pass spots are limited. Just out the back is a magical spot with turtles and some times a croc or two that they have named. Well worth a visit

beautiful Lucinda, a place to access Hichinbrook Island.

Hinchinbrook Visitor Information Centre is a must-visit place when travelling in the area. It is conveniently located next to Bruce Highway, in Ingham, just next door to TYTO Wetlands. The Centre's modern design building is clearly signposted & easy to spot. It is relatively recently constructed and fits very naturally into the environment. Along with the usual Information Centre things like maps and brochures, it has quite a nice interpretive display with lots of historical facts and photos, the bird's nests display etc and an interactive display (I particularly liked the birds' photos-sounds display, when you press the button with bird' name, the photo become highlighted on the display & you can hear its call). There is TYTO Self-Contained RV Park just behind Info Centre. Permits are $15 per vehicle per night (May 2024). Parking is strictly a 3-night max. (Vehicles are required to be self-contained. Toilet, shower, washing & cooking facilities must be contained within the vehicle). Leah, the lady working in the Centre, was most helpful. Her local knowledge helped us to plan our trip beautifully from the places to visit to where the best to have lunch/dinner. We were surprised to learn that TYTO Wetlands these days has several resident saltwater crocodiles, one of which is around 4m. This information changed our plans in regards to where to walk (I visited TYTO Wetlands a few times before Covid, but there never had been any salties there. I spent many enjoyable hours walking & bird-watching. Not any more apparently...). We were told that local authorities had no plans to relocate crocs, saying "Since it is a crocodile country, let them live there". There are a number of croc warning signs put up all over the place. Another change was the installation of several elevated boardwalks, the construction of the observation tower & cafe (which was closed when we visited, but apparently a must-visit place). That is all great news. There is also fresh coffee & some small snacks available (free of charge). That is very nice (especially coffee). Our visit was interrupted by a small group of aboriginal children who chose the Information Centre as a playground & place to eat (those snacks I described before). It seems they had a very good time loudly running all around, grabbing & dropping things, spilling drinks etc.... Leah was very kind, friendly & patient with all visitors. I highly recommend the Hinchinbrook-TYTO Wetlands-Ingham Visitor Information Centre. You will get information that only locals can know.

An excellent place to drop in and get information on the many things to do in this area. A shame to just drive through Ingham without spending a day or two to see the sights. The staff at the information centre are very friendly and helpful.

The best Visitor Info centre I have ever seen, helpful staff, free tea/coffee (driver reviver station), kids friendly info, lots of brochures about the entire region (Townsville to Cairns), toilets and access to the TYTO wetlands (they sell turtle food). There is parking for larger caravans and a dump point.

Great info centre, interactive displays, friendly staff.... Kids passport stamps available at this centre.

Had great day here. Good walking tracks, great swimming holes if you follow the creek.

This must be one of the most amazing places we have been to. It's definitely worth the visit, and we will be back. Bit about Paluma - Paluma is a very special place.  Nestled in misty upland rainforest at the crest of the coastal range, the village is embedded in the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area and surrounded by National Parks. It is a welcome respite from the summer heat of Townsville and during the winter you can smell the smoke from wood stoves throughout the village.

Beautiful place to visit for the day or to camp over night. As it is a national park you need to book ahead, but it is quite cheap & is an honesty thing. It is clean with drop dunnies, a cold shower, taps & beautiful grassy camp sites with free gas bbqs. There is a hike that takes you on a cemented path, through bush, bubbling creeks & a view of a waterfall. I would definitely recommend this place & will be back again

Such a beautiful place to visit when in Townsville. A 40 min drive and you’re in a place in the clouds which is at least 10 degrees cooler than Townsville itself. We did the Triple Falls hike which includes a rope abseil down to a gorgeous waterfall

Gorgeous spot. Water slides will be awesome after some rain, was a bit dry when we were there but still managed some ultimate wedgies!

Nice place! Bitumen all the way to the little crystal creek and to the rockslide. Have wonderful swimming spots. There's campgrounds if you want to stay for few days.

Paluma has a wide variety of birds, wild life and many good walking tracks its not a big place and a 2 day visit would be more then enough to explore most of it. Birthday falls and Lake Paluma are worth a visit as you can find the cossawary bird if you are lucky. We stayed at Fatima cottage in Paluma which was basic but the owners Bill & Lauren where the best hosts ever and very willing to help and tell us all about the area.

This is a grade 3 moderate trail. There are steps at the end but they are not steep steps. My husband with arthritux knees made it to the top without much difficulty. Koalas on the trail, great history and views.

The trail is uphill, and the final part can feel quite challenging if you’re not very fit or have trouble walking. But the view is absolutely stunning, and you might even spot some koalas along the way 🥰🐨

Definitely well worth the walk .There is so much history to be explored here along with amazing 360 degree views. Spot a koala along way if ya lucky.. dirt walking trail all the way, lots of steps closer to the top, and access to Florence and Arthur bay.

Unbelievably hard walk that went for miles. Lots of hills and uneven stairs to navigate. Only advantage are incredible views of Townsville and other islands. Done it now so I can relax.

A moderate uphill walk. Beautiful scenery. If you see some sticks forming an arrow it means someone has seen a koala near by in that direction. But beware of the snakes.

Easy to moderate walk. Not much to see of the remains but the views are amazing Saw two wild koalas in the middle of the day as well. There was also a water refill point towards the start of the walk which was fab!

Amazing views and I got to see a koala! The track is easy to climb and has drinking water available at one spot. There are no toilets though. It is very popular with families as well. It's best to rent a car and travel at your own pace else you will end up waiting for bus.

Beautiful sanctuary that we thoroughly enjoyed with our UK friends. Great to see all the animals and the conservation efforts made. Really worth a visit!!

I regret putting off a visit to Billabong Sanctuary now that I have finally visited! I've been to dozens of different wildlife parks, zoos, and sanctuarys but this had to be one of the best ones in regards to the animals behaviour. alert, healthy appearances, not overtly desperate for stimuation nor food from guests, but still curious and didn't express too much anxiety. the presentations/talks were well paced out and easy to navigate to in a timely manner, staff were all friendly and personable. The relatively smaller scale of the entire sanctuary in comparison to other parks makes it an easy day out aswell as easier on little ones who may get overexerted else where. facilities are scattered about, a decent sheltered sitting area is beside the entrance/kiosk composed of multiple tables, as well as a small pool on site. a bonus for myself was the amount of native wildlife that took advantage of the area, plenty of waterfowl as well as songbirds abound.

Billabong Sanctuary is a must-visit for anyone traveling through Townsville. This beautifully maintained wildlife park offers a unique opportunity to connect up close with some of Australia’s most iconic animals in a natural, relaxed setting. From hand-feeding kangaroos and cuddling koalas to watching crocodile feedings and exploring shaded walking trails, every moment feels both exciting and educational. The park is thoughtfully laid out, making it easy to navigate and perfect for families, solo travelers, or couples. The staff are incredibly knowledgeable and passionate about conservation, offering engaging talks and interactive shows that deepen your appreciation for native wildlife. One of the highlights is how intimate the experience feels. Unlike larger zoos, Billabong Sanctuary allows for real connection—whether you’re watching turtles bask in the sun, holding a python, or seeing cassowaries up close. There’s a strong emphasis on animal care and education, which shines through in every interaction. With beautiful picnic spots, friendly staff, and an atmosphere that feels both wild and welcoming, Billabong Sanctuary is more than just a wildlife park—it’s a truly memorable experience that stays with you long after you leave. Highly recommended for nature lovers and curious adventurers alike.

A must do when visiting Townsville. A great layout, the ranger talks are perfectly timed, so you can move from one to the next. Talks are very informative and where else can you feel a cassowary, hold a koala, snake and crocodile and even have meerkats climb over you. Highly recommend this place.

We had a lovely morning. Our grandson liked it and it was safe. Food was good. Toys reasonably priced. We had a great time

We had a fantastic time at Billabong Sanctuary and only wish we had more time to spend there. We found it by accident upon visiting the big croc and it was so worthwhile. From the moment we stepped in we were awed. The hands on experiences with the animals make it a day to remember. Highly recommend.

Wild! Love this place 5/5! Have a purchased a family pass to keep going back we enjoyed it so much.

Very impressive dive site, groups of fish, beautiful corals, giant grouper, we had amazing time. crews are very professional and welcoming. Mat is a funny guy :)

It felt like a disappointingly disorganised shop. Divers turned up at 7.30am expecting an early start and then didn't leave the shop until 9.30am. There was a lot of sitting around waiting for the DM to be ready to go. It all felt very inefficient with the paperwork and payment. If they need the morning to sort things out, then they shouldn't be asking divers with their own gear to turn up at 7.30am. I was also pretty annoyed by how underfilled the tanks were. After the experience with the shop, I really wouldn't go with this group again, despite the Townsville shop being a lot more expensive. Once we were on the boat, it was a great day. The boat captain was fantastic and super helpful. It's an amazing dive site.

Steve; the dive guide and Matt, the Skipper were awesome. Had 2 amazing dives and they helped all of us through a little rough sea condition. I loved the vibe of the whole shop! I would to 100% recommend this place and when I come back, you’ll definitely see me again :D

An incredible dive, really one of the best dive in the world! Never seen so many marine life all toghether, super big and colorful fish 🐠 Amazing crew, chill and fun vibes 🤙🏽 A special thank to the legend Mirko, such a great guide and dive instructor 🙏🏽 P.s. Make yourself a favour, avoid the Cairns tourist trap and come here for the best dive of your life!

Dived The wreck with Steve and Matt, everything from start too finish was Fantastic, Steve is a perfect example of how confidence tranfers into competence, His ability to articulate knowledge and dive plans in an easy to digest way is Fantastic and makes the dive feel like a breeze, Skipper Matt! What a character. Fantastic. 10/10 from start to finish

Unfortunately, we had a very disappointing experience. We had a confirmed booking for the SS Yongala dive on November 7 and planned our entire travel schedule around it. Even though we had at least three divers confirmed, the trip was cancelled two days before with the explanation that there were “not enough participants,” and we were told everything was fully booked until the 19th. Shortly after, however, new spots suddenly appeared for November 9. For us, this meant several hundred dollars in additional costs (accommodation, fuel, and rescheduling) — and we still didn’t get to do the dive we had booked. What makes it even more frustrating is that many reputable dive operators in Australia run trips with very small groups. We completed our Advanced Open Water course with only two participants, and operators like Scuba World even run their HMAS Brisbane dive with just one single diver. Overall, the decision felt more profit-driven than customer-focused. Very disappointing, especially given the reputation of the site. Unfortunately, we cannot recommend this operator based on our experience.

Fantastic couple of dives with Matt and Steve. Great briefing, great operators, great day. Look forward to coming back in future Cheers !

We stayed at the Horseshoe Bay Resort caravan park. It's such a great spot close to the beach. We had dinner at the cafe. The food was amazing and on Saturday night, there was live music brilliant. We would definitely return.

Nice little beach fun swimming and good snorkeling on the right hand side near the rocks. There is a sculpture in the ocean out a bit still on the right. There is a nice cafe nearby and a caravan park. Also toilets and picnic tables. You can walk to a lookout.

Beautiful beach. Lovely grass area out front and cafe. Short walk to the lookout, but recommend doing the lookout first, as you will get hot. Then you can cool off in the sea. Lots of rocks to find some realise in too.

A very nice beach, not very big but picturesque nestled between the rocks It has a toilet block and shower’s as well as picnic tables

Such a beautiful beach. It can get busy, but we love heading around the rocks and exploring. Seeing what sea life we can find.

Gorgeous spot on the coastline, ample parking, people swimming amongst the rocks, snorkelling, sunbathing. Toilets and seating available. Nice cafè for drinks and food

Beautiful setting, one of the best beaches in Queensland. Lovely calm waters. Great accommodation over looking the bay.

The coastal trail is very well built, very clean and has many places to rest, I love it here!

You've got wet, rippled sand in the foreground that looks perfect for squelching your toes in, if you don't mind dodging all those dark, scattered rocks. The beach leads back to a rugged shoreline with rolling hills in the distance. The soft, hazy light and pale sky give it a very peaceful, 'I'm-escaping-it-all' kind of vibe.

Lovely boardwalk although it was very hot when we visited, Google maps currently has it closed for much of the week, this is incorrect, it's open 24 hours a day seven days a week.

Beautiful scenery and a smooth walkway that goes for miles, with uninterrupted views of Airlie Beach waters , landscape and Islands. Great photo opportunities along the way.

Highly recommended something that everyone can do , at 12 it’s almost empty if you want ti have good pics . This is the time .. just be careful with the scooters . Enjoy!

Nice walk next to the boats very easy.

Great walkway. Good scenic jogging track

Best is arriving by yacht, but also by plane. The key is renting the golf cart 150 bucks. And you good to go round the island.

The marina side of the island has the IGA, Bottle Shop, departure terminals for day trips, Newsagency with plenty of toys and gifts, Ice Cream Shop, cafe for breakfast, Dive shop, Pizzeria Place, Romano’s Italian, Bakery, Fishis Fish Shop, dress shops, surf shop, Tavern and the Yacht Vlub that has Bonnie’s Restaurant and the deck for afternoon drinks at the Yacht Club. Perfect place to spend the day.

A stunning marina with all the palm trees that were in the movie pirates of the Caribbean donated to Hamilton Island

Very nice marina. This place is really very pretty. The staff are very friendly the weather is perfect the whole island is accessible. You can walk everywhere. They have amazing walking tracks to go on. I would defiantly recommend this place to visit. Honestly everything is just amazing

An incredible island. Scooting around on golf buggies is loads of fun, and there is lots to do on the island to keep you occupied other than just taking in the amazing view. A must see.

Gets very busy around lunch time. Tavern, fish and chips and bakery open. Best to download the Hamilton Island app to see what's open and trading times. Not all cruises and water activities and some restaurants are operating.

What's not to love. Not too crowded but still a bit of a vibe. From the bakery to the yacht club there is a price point for everyone to get a meal. Or self cater from the IGA. Departure point for all cruises and ferries.Pleasantly not crowded with the typical brand names. No McDonalds and no Prada either. Hang out at the many picnic tables or have a champagne at the yacht club and enjoy the views.

The place is nice, but the animals have very small living spaces. While it was enjoyable to see the animals, it was quite sad from an ethical standpoint, especially concerning the crocodile and the dingoes. There are many wallabies and kangaroos, along with other birds, freely roaming the island, which makes it seem unnecessary for them to be kept in the zoo.

Hamilton Island Wildlife Park was a disappointing experience. The $35 ticket price per adult felt unreasonable, given the poor conditions the animals were kept in. The enclosures were far too small, especially for the giant crocodile and dingoes, which was heartbreaking to see. Even the koalas had very limited space, making the entire place feel cramped and unsuitable for the animals’ well-being. The zoo itself is quite small, and it takes only about five minutes to walk through as there aren’t many animals to see. Considering the high ticket prices, I expected better care and more spacious enclosures for the animals. It was truly upsetting to see them in such conditions, and I hope improvements are made for their welfare.

Went to the daily 10am Keepers tour... Lea was excellent guide with some great insights on all the animals.. particularly the dingos. They could do with more staff at the tills to enter as was busy and 1 girl making coffee, selling tickets and taking payment from gift shop.

My island coffee haven. Nestled beside the koala's and animal exhibits. This cafe boasts a range of juices, snacks, cakes, sandwiches, and pastries. Cafe entry is free, with a separate fee applying to the wildlife park, and a premium VIP experience available for booking.

2 of 5 stars. It's a small and okay-ish wildlife centre. There's two dingos, Big Mac the croc in the photo, a reptile area, Cassawary and heaps of kangas which you can see on the Island anyways. Interesting for the kids, but not worth the price in my view.

Very small but enjoyable. Who doesn't love a Koala?

Great place to spend an hour or so with the kids. If you can, do go for the up close experiences. This is not a huge exhibit by any means, however, it is very charming and pleasant. The quaint cafe with the koalas is just the spot to relax and have a drink or two. Highly recommended for younger kids.

One of those beaches that are amazing to look at but not the greatest to actually experience. The beach sand wasn’t as smooth and soft as you’d like and there were loads of pebbles. The tide goes out really far and you can walk very far out. Saw a few turtles and rays.

This beach is beautiful, high tide is great for floating around, kayaking, paddle boarding and snorkelling no waves so great for kids. Low tide moves around 2 metres of water you can walk out a fare way. Lots of beach lounges to sit in the shade and there’s takeaway food just a minute walk. If you are staying at the main hotels all beach equipment is included in your stay, show them your room card and write your name down.

Absolutely gorgeous beach. Beautiful soft sand and bright blue water. The Bay stays relatively flat and is perfect for water activities. You can pay to use paddle boards, canoes, snorkels etc. If you stay at Reef View (maybe some other hotels, I am not sure which ones), then it's complimentary. The Pool Bar is nearby, so you can enjoy a cocktail or mocktail while you sun-bake. The beach is quite long, so there is plenty of space for everyone. There are also some tables, chairs and umbrellas.

Beautiful. Has pools and a beach (unfortunately low tide when we went). Nice and relaxing. Pretty cold in the middle of September. Music playing in the background and a bar attached to one of the pools too!

Agree with the other reviewers, this is a beautiful little beach. Warm water, nice sand and sailing or snorkeling options just off shore. You will need to check with tides and wind conditions as this does affect how clear the water is. A lot of beach options available including just sitting there and enjoying.

Highlight was being able to see so many big sea turtles swimming next to you. The reef itself was below par.

Straight across from the resorts, plenty of water activities on high tide, snorkeling on low tide, coral, sea life and turtle tours. Bring the underwater camera/go pro.Pool bar close by or bring your own snacks and drinks. Plenty of chairs and shade.

What a great asset to the area. Loved visiting. Esp. Platypus and turtles.

Beautiful nature up the Mountain range! Go to the broken river trails to spot platypus! We saw two different ones and loved the walks.

Amazing place! We were this morning about 8am and we saw two platypus! Really amazing experience! You need to be patience and quiet, so good luck!

A very nice place with rain forest walking trails and a trail all the Broken River where you can see turtles and platypus in the creek The platypus is rather elusive but we saw some in the creek and also spotted a water rat

The drive down to the dam was 45 minutes on a bumpy dirt track. It was horrible and not worth it. The platypus viewing was a great spot as was the lovely scenery.

Amazing national park, nice for a day to see the Broken river and do some small hikes. Stayed at Fern Flats campgrounds, cheap and nice tugged in the jungle near the river. Saw platypus of course, try it in the morning or afternoon though, if it’s too hot already, they might not appear. Wallabies also walk around in the jungle around you, really likes it

The place is really nice for all occasions nice view good fresh air.